Kitty with hip problem

[ADWOA]

I have a six-year old female cat that I adopted from the Humane Association when she was 6 months old. Although she had been brought in because her owner complained of allergies, it was quite clear that she had been badly abused. She was malnourished and the size of a 3-month old kitten, and has always walked "funny." She has never been able to jump on high surfaces, can't balance well on her back legs, and doesn't run well. I had always assumed that she sustained an injury from a kick or a fall with her previous owner. Unfortunately, as she is aging, her disability seems to be getting worse. I am wondering if putting her on a Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplement would be helpful. These products are most widely available for dogs, so I am wondering specifically what ingredients in some of these medications can be harmful or toxic to cats.

[Traci]

Has your kitty ever received x-rays? If not, now is a good time to do so, so that your vet can determine the extent of potential arthritis. If a previous pelvic injury occured, arthritis could be a potential concern as she ages, but it's very important to evaluate with x-rays and physical exam before you consider treating the unknown. Please do not attempt to self-treat your kitty without a comprehensive x-ray evaluation first, and then upon your vet's advice and instruction.

Yes, Cosequin (chondroitin and glucosamine) is available for cats ( Nutramax Labs )...it is the only one I recommend for cats. There is another post in this forum for more information.

On a side note, any kitty at age 6 or older, should recieve annual blood work to monitor liver and kidney function (as well as heart and thyroid function, etc)......on the offchance the weakness is due to a possible underlying health condition such as renal insufficiency, you want to make absolutely certain that is ruled out.

[Mona]

I am sorry about all you have been through with your kitty.

I too have a 5 year old female. She has had knee problems and the leg would collapse in the back. I took her for xrays and found she had a luxating patella, (floating knee joint) which was a class4. We opted for surgery and she is fine now!! Was not using her litterbox well because of the leg before.

I urge you get xrays for her right away, it is a painless procedure. They may give some anesthesia to calm her down. It is not that expensive, and well worth it to find out and correct the pain they are feeling.

Good luck and let us know further updates. Mona and Honeybun

[Adwoa]

Thank you for your responses. I have not her in for x-rays yet because I had heard that they can be very stressful for the cat and could require sedation! I realize that I should have taken a vet's advice and not listened to hearsay! Thanks again!

[Traci]

Sedation is rarely ever required for x-raying a kitty. The exception might include a kitty in extreme pain or a fractious kitty.

Do get a full exam and x-ray evaluation, you'll have so much peace of mind for having done so, and your vet can help you understand the condition in particular, and will discuss the available options for your kitty.

Again, I strongly suggest full blood profiling to rule out associated conditions or those unrelated, you'll feel confident when you learn certain things are ruled out and you can then focus on her treatment.